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Learn Chess with Coaches Kids Love.

Build focus. Have fun. Flexible schedules, real progress.

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Meet Your Masters

Ben Hart

Ben Hart

Chess Coach & Graphic Designer

Chess.com Rapid Rating: 1726

Ben Hart has been immersed in the world of chess for over 20 years. Starting on the St. Joseph, Missouri homeschool chess team, he competed in tournaments nationwide, including annual national events through high school. His accomplishments include 3rd place at the 2012 U.S. National Championship (U800 Division) and 1st place at the 2013 Missouri State Championship. Ben began teaching at just 16 and has now been a full-time chess coach for over three years, inspiring students of all ages to explore the depth and beauty of the game. He believes chess builds vital life skills—critical thinking, sportsmanship, accountability, and resilience. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Digital Animation, blending creativity and strategy in every lesson.

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David Gutierrez

David Gutierrez

Philosophy & Education Specialist

Chess.com Rapid Rating: 1939

Coach David Gutierrez is a passionate chess educator with a commitment to helping young minds grow through the game of chess. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education, Coach David blends critical thinking with a strong foundation in child development. With over six years of experience teaching chess across the valley, he brings both expertise and heart to every lesson.

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Trusted By Schools & Families

Arizona ESA — Empowerment Scholarship Account

Arizona ESA

Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account families can use ESA funds toward our chess programs and enrichment classes.

Arizona ESA

Explore Class Options

Wednesday Hyper Training Boot Camp

Eight weeks of coached play, structured lessons, and visible improvement — built for kids who are ready to take chess seriously.

What Students Will Experience

  • Fast warm-ups that sharpen focus
  • Weekly lessons on tactics, openings, and endgames
  • Full Game/30 matches with coach support
  • Group review of the moments that matter

Tuition

Best value

8-Week Program

Full summer session — best value

$300

4-Week Option

Half session — flexible start

$175

Bring-A-Friend DiscountAsk when you register
Reserve a Seat

Enrolling more than one student? Request a custom invoice

Join Our Lichess Team

This team page is designed to give our students a safe, organized place to practice, play, improve, and stay connected with our chess community outside of class.

Here, students can participate in online games, team tournaments, practice events, chess challenges, and occasional coach-led review opportunities. Our goal is to help players build stronger habits, think more carefully, and enjoy the process of improving at chess.

Arcane Chess — a strategy game blending classic chess with tactical ability cards

Coach Ben Hart's New Game

Arcane Chess

I'm proud to share that I've just pre-launched a game I've been developing over the last 2 years, Arcane Chess. This is a strategy game where classic chess meets tactical ability cards. Captured pieces unlock powerful effects, making every move — and every capture — create a new strategic experience.

Follow Arcane Chess on Kickstarter

The Kickstarter pre-launch page is now live, and every follow helps bring the game closer to launch.

Bring Chess To Your School

Partner with The Next Move Chess to bring expert-led chess programs to your students. We work with schools, homeschool groups, and educational organizations across the valley.

The Cognitive Gymnasium

Research-backed chess enrichment designed to build executive function, critical thinking, and academic confidence through strategic gameplay.

Program Highlights

  • Executive Function Development
  • STEM-Aligned Critical Thinking
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • Research-Backed Curriculum
  • Flexible School Partnerships
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Join the Group Class Waitlist

Tell us where and when you'd like a class. We'll email you when a spot opens or a new time launches.

Add Me To The Waitlist!